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I’ll Push, You Steer

First I’ll say “You are welcome!” to anyone passing by my local Maverick this morning. There was some great entertainment available that you may have witnessed. And if I could get surveillance footage it would for sure be a hit.

Just after switching cars with my husband I pulled into the gas station down the road. Just as I remembered that the dang car’s tank is on the other side. Just a matter of flipping around to another pump, no big deal right? Only to realize the car was SO out of gas it’s not going to start. Only to realize the pump lines don’t reach across cars for forgetful drivers like myself. (Costco’s do!) Only to remember that my husband didn’t have his phone with him so he wouldn’t hear his wife’s desperate call for help, even if she was willing to ask.

No matter. I’m strong. I’m resourceful. And I’m in a hurry.

So I did what any lady in teal patterned leggings and flats on her way to work would do. I got out and pushed. That was easy at first but in the wrong direction. No problem I’ll just hop back in and crank the steering wheel (and remember to be thankful for power steering). Now I’ll hop back to the bumper and push some more. Ah there’s some traction. But oh wait, you don’t realize there’s a slope in the parking lot-leading right onto the overpass offramp. Great I’ll just race back into the driver’s seat of the rolling car and slam on the brakes. But now here I am IN the offramp. So I’ll just get out and push some more. This time I’ll stay inside the passenger side door and reach across to crank the wheel as I push the car with the strength of my post-baby abdomen. I’ll smile too because it’s funny.

Then I notice out of the corner of my eye a black truck on the road that slowed down to watch the scene. He wasn’t the only one. (That could have been you!) That nice guy must have turned the corner at the light and entered the parking lot because I soon heard him yell “I think it will be easier if I push and you steer!” Yes sir, you are correct that will be easier. So he pushed, I cranked the wheel, and we rolled into pump #2 just as smooth as jelly, tank in perfect alignment and ready to be filled with gas and my latest ‘Only Michelle’ story.

The nice guy drove away after I told him he’d done his good deed for the day. The 8, maybe 10, other gentlemen that stood and watched the show went about their breakfast sandwiches and colas. The employee I’d noticed seemed to have immaculately swept off that sidewalk he so adamantly stared at instead of glancing in my direction. I laughed a good hearty laugh and chalked it up to another of my commuting adventures. And I was really thankful for that one person willing to help, and anxious to be the one in that seat next time.